Andalusia advances coastal mapping with new bathymetric Lidar tender
The Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain, has launched a new public tender for the acquisition of high-resolution bathymetric Lidar data, aimed at improving the region’s understanding and management of its coastal and nearshore environments. Published in the EU’s Tenders Electronic Daily under notice number 356425-2025, the contract represents a significant investment in advanced geospatial technology to support sustainable coastal planning and environmental protection.
Bathymetric Lidar, the focus of the tender, offers a unique advantage in mapping shallow coastal waters where conventional survey methods often fall short. Using green laser pulses capable of penetrating the water surface, this airborne technique can efficiently capture high-resolution data across extensive and difficult-to-access coastal zones. It is particularly well suited for generating accurate 3D models of nearshore seabeds, where traditional sonar may be limited by depth or vessel access. By choosing this method, the regional government aims to unlock a richer understanding of Andalusia’s dynamic coastal systems and support decision-making in areas ranging from spatial planning to habitat conservation.
Supporting climate resilience and environmental monitoring
Andalusia’s coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and increased storm activity. The new Lidar data will contribute to improved risk assessment, allowing regional authorities to better prepare for natural hazards such as flooding and coastal erosion. In addition, the survey will support environmental and biodiversity monitoring, enabling more informed decision-making on marine habitat conservation and the management of protected areas.
The data collected will be integrated into REDIAM, Andalusia’s Environmental Information Network, where it will be made accessible to public authorities, researchers and planning bodies. This centralized access to reliable, up-to-date geospatial information is expected to enhance the quality of territorial planning and promote coordinated, data-driven responses to environmental challenges.
With this tender, Andalusia reaffirms its commitment to using cutting-edge technology to safeguard its coastal resources and strengthen its resilience to future changes. The project not only marks a technical milestone but also reflects a broader strategy to harness Earth observation data in support of regional development goals.
More information about the tender can be found here.
